What's needed to be a great caterer

According to Andy Rooney, he doesn't like food which is carefully decorated as it makes him feel that more time has been spent on arranging the food rather than cooking. According to him, he wanted to look at something, he would prefer a painting to food.


In truth the chef who makes the food often does not arrange it. That's the job of the caterer.


But some caterers are better than others.


The important skills include being a master planner and entrepreneur with excellent communication skills and you need to start off being a quality chef and also have the ability to transport food smoothly.


Most of all, you need to know about food. You have to have the skills of a master chef so you can prepare those special items most people want at their parties or other get togethers. Not just any cook can do this. You need to be a master chef with experience, dedication and practice.


People skills is important if you want your own catering business. You will be dealing with a variety of customers who have differing needs. That means you need to be able to find out what they want, how they want it, and when they want it. Any problems should be met with understanding and a quick solution. All the time, you have to have a smile on your face as you do it.


The effective handling and movement of perishable food items is important aspect of catering. Practice and experience is the key for acquiring this skill. Along with know-how, you also need to have special equipment and transportation.

Catering means you have to be a master planner. You will have several orders at a time and these are time sensitive. Not only is timing essential in comedy, it is required for any caterer. These days it means computer programs and staff to assist you. Either learn the programs yourself or hire someone.


You need to be alert and take on the spot decisions. Often the clients may require your opinion about instant changes in menus to suit the occasion. You may then need to think and act quickly.


Finally, catering means being an entrepreneur. There are many changes going on in the field right now. You may need to improvise with changing times. Always remember to be cost effective. You have to be up on what people want and might need. Once you learn above skills, you would be able to prepare good quality food and deliver it in a presentable and timely manner to make your customer and yourself happy.